There are so many fun things to do around Orlando during the holidays, but I thought I would share a few “different” activities with you. Don’t get me wrong, I love all of the “normal” holiday events in Orlando but sometimes these just as amazing ones get overlooked. So if you are looking for something a little different to do this month, check some of these out!
- Moss Park’s Light Up the Wild! – Moss Park is holding this 4th annual event with a huge holiday light display to drive through nightly 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13th – Saturday, Dec. 19th. Cost is $5 CASH per car for up to eight people ($1 per additional person) and you can drive through it multiple times.
“Wild Santa Saturday” on Dec. 19th, 1 – 9 p.m., includes giant airboat rides by Wild Florida Airboat ($10 per person), free photos holding a baby alligator (bring your camera), Santa’s Market featuring vendors, crafts, and last minute shopping for stocking stuffers, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasting (nominal fee to benefit the local Girl Scouts), food trucks and more. Or run like a reindeer at Orange County Parks’ Santa Run 5K in Moss Park on December 20th! Ages 0-4 are free; ages 5-14, $10; and ages 15 and older, $20. For more info and to register online, visit www.OrangeCountyParks.net and click the scrolling 5K race link. -
ICE!® featuring ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas – Twas the Night Before Christmas, is brought to life in TWO MILLION pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including two-story tall ice slides. This awe-inspiring experience concludes with the wonder and majesty of a full Nativity in stunning, crystal clear ice. Christmas in Orlando is fun for the entire family at the Gaylord Palms Resort.
ICE! is an indoor winter wonderland featuring:- Walk-through holiday attraction, kept at a chilly 9 degrees
- Two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures
- Four ice slides
- Six individual rooms depicting the story of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
- The Frostbite Factory — a live carving zone
- Final room is a breath-taking Nativity scene carved from crystal clear ice
- The Nutcracker – Experience the magic of the Orlando Ballet this December at the Dr. Philips Center for the Performing Arts with live musical accompaniment by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
Filled with thrills and merriment, Orlando Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker is a Central Florida holiday tradition. Based on the classic story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the Walt Disney Theater at Dr. Phillips will be filled with holiday enchantment. The 57-piece orchestra will be led by Dr. John Sinclair, Artistic Director and conductor of the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. One of Central Florida’s most visible musicians with an international reputation, audiences may also recognize Sinclair from his role as conductor of the annual Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. - Sanford’s Illuminated Boat Parade – Head down to Sanford’s Riverwalk on December 19th at 6 pm and watch or join the lighted parade of sailboats and powerboats in celebration of the holiday season. Viewing locations: North side of Marina Island, St. Johns River Steak and Seafood Restaurant, Veterans Memorial Park, Wolfy’s Bar & Grill, and along the Riverwalk in Sanford from Park Ave to 17-92.
- 2015 Florida Citrus Parade – One of Central Florida’s longest running traditions, the Florida Citrus Parade features magnificent citrus floats, marching bands from across the country, university bands from the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl teams (the Michigan Wolverines and Florida Gators) and other exciting entertainment. The event is FREE to attend anywhere along the route on the streets of Downtown Orlando. Grandstand tickets in the television broadcast area may be purchased for $29. More information available at FloridaCitrusParade.com.
Great post, love to see other things to do around town!